Quote of the Week
“What the New Year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the New Year.”
– Vern McLellan, Author
Moments by Mira
Ever After Photography PNW is located in Gig Harbor, Washington. Click the link below to see the creative catalog of work on Mira’s website.
Feline Tomfoolery
with Brady & Belichick
Dear Humans,
Happy New Year from your two favorite black cats. While Brady lounges his way into the New Year, I am busy helping the human work on this blog. I enjoy being part of the process. Well, either that or I just love providing her with a challenge.
Much Love, Belichick
Brady & Belichick are Rachel’s adorable felines. These two cute boys turned two on May 4, 2025.
2025 Memories
When 2024 ended, Rachel was having a less than desirable year. She knew 2025 would also be rough, as she was losing a loved one and making a big move. The past year ended up including heartbreak, change, healing and a lot of joy.
One of the most difficult things Rachel experienced in 2025 was the loss her stepmom. Patti, aka GM Patti, aka Momma P passed away on April 18, 2025. Even though it was expected, it was heartbreaking. As the months have gone by, Rachel has tried to focus less on losing her and more on what a gift it was to be part of her life.
She often finds herself wanting to call and tell her Momma P something exciting. When that happens, she gives herself a moment to be sad and then she tells her anyway. That’s right, it is okay to talk to the memory of a loved one. Rachel can even imagine just what Momma P would say back and gets a good laugh. These are healing moments.
One thing that Rachel loves is to run. Her plan for 2025 was to participate in one fun run each month. She exceeded this goal with 16 fun runs. Even better, she participated with friends for the majority of these events. The memories she carries from each of these runs brings a smile to her face. She is thankful to her body for allowing these good times.
- 5k (3.1 miles) – Total of 10
- 8k (5 miles) – Total of 1
- 10k (6.2 miles) Total of 2
- Half Marathon (13.1 miles) Total of 2
- Unleashed Bowl (1,628 Stairs) Total of 1
Despite the fact that Rachel thinks she had a rough year, she can’t help but remember all of the great times and good friends that were part of that year. In hindsight, 2025 had so many good memories to hold on to, she realizes she has been holding on to the wrong things. Now that she is aware of this, she will be sure to focus more on the good in the coming year. Enjoy the stroll down memory lane.
A January Christmas celebration with friends. Pictured clockwise from top: Rachel, Bill, Alanna, Joshua, Angeline, Kenzie and Martika.
A February baby shower for friends Angeline and Joshua.
In March, Rachel joined the Tacoma Run Club as they celebrated their 7-year anniversary and her new Sunday tradition was born.
In April, Rachel got to celebrate the late March birth of Angeline and Joshua’s son, Zachary Len Hunter.
In May, Rachel was able to run her first half marathon in more than a decade following two spinal fusion surgeries. Pretty amazing for someone that was told they would never run again.
In June, Rachel was unable to run the Sound to Narrows 12k and but instead got walk the 5k with her beautiful little friend, Shay. What a gift.
In July, Rachel’s friend, Mira, took her to explore a glass beach for their last adventure before her move to Utah.
In August, Rachel got to celebrate her birthday with an ’80 Ladies’ lunch.
A late September visit to the zoo with Alec and Victoria.
In October, Rachel found that Utah had more beauty than she realized.
In November, Rachel celebrated her 400th class at Orangetheory Fitness.
In December, Rachel got to spend time with both of her sons when Blake visited Utah. Photos coming in the New Year.
